Brethren from many Lodges throughout England and indeed visitors from further afield, gathered at the Coventry War Memorial car park at 2pm. At 2.15pm the parade set off for a short walk to the War Memorial, where a wreath was laid by dignitaries from the Grand Orange Lodge of England.

Brethren from LOL 842 showing their colours, before the Parade

From this point, the Parade took a route towards the city centre. Along with the many Lodges, were three bands, Everton Road Protestant Boys Flute Band, Star of Toxteth Concertina Band and Corby Purple Star Flute Band.

It was regrettable that certain locals had decided to erect plastic Irish Tricolours and bunting in one of the streets which the Parade passed through, but this rather pathetic attempt at provocation and incitement only strengthened the resolve of Brethren and bandsmen alike.

The parade stopped at the Martyrs' Memorial in Mile Lane. This commemorates the burning of eleven Protestant Martyrs between 1510 and 1555. Their "crime" was being Protestant and of wishing to read the Bible, translated from Latin into their own English language. The memorial is close to the spot where they were burnt. A wreath was laid here in remembrance of those brave martyrs.

Martyr's Memorial in Coventry

The parade passed from here, via the subway to Speakers' Corner, where there was an open air service. The Right Worshipful Deputy Provincial Grand Master of Midlands Province, Bro W Ramsay, opened the service and amongst those to speak was the Most Worshipful Grand Master of England, Bro. R Bather.

At the conclusion of the service, the Parade walked the short distance to St. John's Street, where, after singing Land of Hope and Glory and the National Anthem, the Parade fell out. A social event was held in the city in the evening.

The Midlands Provincial Grand Lodge had been trying for several years to gain permission from Coventry Council and Police, for this Boyne Parade to go ahead. Each time they applied, obstacles were put in their way and indeed in the run up to the parade, negative and alarmist reports in the left-wing biased press did not help their cause. Great credit must go to the Midlands Province and the Coventry Lodge in particular for their perseverance in the face of an openly hostile media and section of the local community. Well done and many thanks to all involved for a very enjoyable occasion!